Lasting Power of Attorney

Appoint trusted attorneys to manage your financial and health decisions if you're unable to.

Lasting Power of Attorney

Understanding Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a vital legal document allowing you to appoint someone you trust (an 'attorney') to make decisions about your finances or health if you become unable to make them yourself in the future.

Planning ahead with an LPA provides peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are followed and preventing potential difficulties for your family if you lose mental capacity due to illness or accident.

Types of LPA

Property and Financial Affairs LPA

Covers decisions about money, property, bills, bank accounts, and investments. Can be used as soon as it's registered, with your permission.

Health and Welfare LPA

Covers decisions about medical treatment, daily care (washing, dressing, eating), and where you live. This can only be used if you lack the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself.

Why Set Up an LPA?

  • Ensures decisions are made by someone you trust.
  • Avoids the need for costly and lengthy Court of Protection applications if you lose capacity.
  • Provides clarity for family members during difficult times.
  • Allows you to specify preferences and instructions for your attorneys.
  • Gives you control over who manages your affairs.

Our LPA Service

We guide you through the process of creating and registering both types of LPA, ensuring they accurately reflect your wishes and meet all legal requirements.

Contact us to discuss setting up your LPA and securing your future choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an LPA and why do I need one?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that appoints trusted individuals (your 'attorneys') to make decisions on your behalf if you become mentally or physically incapable. Without an LPA, your family may face costly, time-consuming Court of Protection proceedings to gain authority over your affairs. There are two types: Property & Financial Affairs LPAs (for financial decisions) and Health & Welfare LPAs (for medical and care decisions). Having both types provides comprehensive protection for all aspects of your life.
What happens to my LPA when it has been signed?
After signing your LPA, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it becomes legally valid. The registration process typically takes 8-12 weeks but can extend to 22 weeks during busy periods. Until registration is complete, the LPA has no legal authority. Once registered, a Property & Financial Affairs LPA can be used immediately (or as specified in the document), while a Health & Welfare LPA only becomes active if you lose mental capacity. The LPA remains valid until your death.
When does an LPA become effective?
A Property & Financial Affairs LPA can become effective as soon as it's registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, allowing your attorneys to act with your permission even while you have capacity. A Health & Welfare LPA only becomes effective when you lack mental capacity to make specific decisions. You can include restrictions or conditions in either type to specify when and how attorneys can act. Having registered LPAs in place is increasingly important as organisations become stricter about accepting third-party management of affairs. Acting without proper authorisation can now be treated as a criminal offence.
Do I need an Advance Decision if I already have a Health and Welfare LPA?
They do different jobs and they work well together. A Health and Welfare LPA appoints attorneys to weigh up decisions on your behalf, while an Advance Decision states a refusal in your own words. If you want to refuse life-sustaining treatment, the document must say so specifically, be in writing, and be signed and witnessed. We keep the two documents consistent so nobody is left guessing, and we recommend reviewing them regularly.

Working alongside a local solicitor

We work with a local solicitor and are able to cover any and all of your requirements. If in doubt, call us on 0800 048 7320 and ask, or use the contact form on our home page.

Call 0800 048 7320Use our contact form

Related Services

Business LPA

Protect your business interests by appointing trusted individuals to make decisions about your business if you become incapacitated. This specialized LPA ensures business continuity and safeguards your commercial legacy.

Learn More

Wills

Secure your legacy by ensuring your estate is distributed according to your precise wishes with a legally valid Will. Without one, statutory rules determine how your assets are divided.

Learn More

Trusts

Safeguard your assets, provide for your loved ones, and prevent potential complications through customized trust arrangements tailored specifically to your family's circumstances.

Learn More

Ready to secure your future?

Our experts are standing by to provide the guidance you need.

Call 0800 048 7320

AIB Estate Planning

6 Neptune Court, Hallam Way

Blackpool, FY4 5LZ

United Kingdom

0800 048 7320

info@aibestateplanning.co.uk

Follow Us

North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

© 2026 AIB Estate Planning. All rights reserved.

Terms of BusinessPrivacy PolicyPartners